The Nigerian government will sponsor at least 13,000 former militants to higher education level, according to the country's minister for Niger Delta affairs Godsday Orubebe.

Speaking to Next in the Ondo state capital of Akure, he said that the ministry will work together with the Niger Delta Development Commission to ensure its obligations are met in regard to training and development.

The country signed a ceasefire agreement with rebel groups in November, on the proviso that militants would have access to training and a living stipend.

"Over 20,000 youths embraced the programme and it is not practical for all of them to be trained at the same time," he said, explaining that training will be undertaken in batches at both national and international universities.

He also praised the country's president Goodluck Jonathan commitment to promoting change in his homeland of the Niger Delta, explaining that the incoming leader is not interested in politicking and wasting time.

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